Camping Comforts: Powering Your Ac With A Generator

RVs are a great way to enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing the comforts of home. However, if you're planning to camp off the grid, you'll need a generator to power your air conditioner and other appliances. The power requirements of your RV appliances, particularly your air conditioner, will determine the size and type of generator you need.

A generator with sufficient wattage to run your RV air conditioner will depend on the air conditioner's BTU (British Thermal Units) rating. A 15,000 BTU air conditioner, for instance, will require a higher wattage generator than a 13,5000 BTU unit. Other factors, such as altitude and outside temperature, can also impact the performance of your generator. Additionally, you'll need to consider the wattage requirements of other appliances you plan to use simultaneously.

When choosing a generator, it's always better to have more power than you think you'll need. Portable generators are a popular choice for RVs, but they may not be powerful enough to run an air conditioner and other appliances simultaneously. Built-in generators, on the other hand, offer higher wattage ranges and can power multiple appliances without manual setup. However, they are more expensive and require dedicated generator compartments in your RV.

What is the minimum generator wattage required to power an RV air conditioner?

To determine the minimum generator wattage required to power an RV air conditioner, it is essential to understand the starting (surge) watts and running (rated) watts of the air conditioning unit. The starting wattage, also known as surge wattage, refers to the initial burst of energy needed to turn on the air conditioner, while the running wattage is the amount of power required to keep it running.

RV air conditioners typically have cooling capacities of either 15,000 or 13,5000 British thermal units (BTU). A 15,000 BTU air conditioner may require around 5,100 starting watts and 1,600 running watts, while a 13,500 BTU unit will draw less power, with approximately 3,800 starting watts and 1,300 running watts.

When selecting a generator, it is crucial to ensure it can handle both the starting and running requirements of the air conditioner, as well as the power needs of any other appliances you plan to operate simultaneously. As a general rule, it is advisable to opt for a generator that provides more power rather than less to avoid overloading the generator.

For a 15,000 BTU air conditioner, a generator with a capacity of 3,000 to 4,000 watts is recommended. If you have a 13,500 BTU unit, a generator with 2,200 to 3,000 watts should suffice. Additionally, it is worth considering a generator with a higher wattage range if you intend to power other appliances, such as a fridge or microwave, alongside the air conditioner.

It is also important to note that the starting and running wattages mentioned above are averages and can vary depending on various factors, including the presence of built-in capacitors and cold starts. Therefore, it is always a good idea to refer to the manufacturer's label or manual to determine the specific power requirements of your appliances.

What are the pros and cons of a built-in camper generator?

A built-in camper generator is fixed into the built-in generator compartment of your camper and is hardwired into the camper's electrical system. It is a high-capacity generator that can support up to 3000 watts and is easy to operate with a push-button start. Built-in camper generators offer several benefits and drawbacks that should be considered:

Pros:

• Convenience: With a built-in generator, you can start it from inside the camper without having to go outside. This is especially useful in bad weather conditions.
• Security: Built-in generators are more secure than portable generators as they are difficult for thieves to remove quickly.
• Power Capacity: Built-in generators have a higher wattage range than portable units, making them more suitable for powering appliances with high surge watt requirements, such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and microwaves.
• Fueling: Built-in generators connect directly to the RV's fuel tank, eliminating the need for manual fuel changes.

Cons:

• Maintenance and Repair: Maintaining and repairing a built-in generator can be challenging and expensive.
• Noise: Built-in generators produce more noise than portable generators, which can be a concern for campers.
• Cost: Built-in generators are more expensive than portable generators.
• Environmental Impact: Built-in generators that run on fossil fuels can emit harmful chemicals and contribute to carbon monoxide production.

What are the pros and cons of a portable camper generator?

A portable camper generator can be a great option for those looking to power their appliances on the go. Here are some pros and cons to help you decide if a portable camper generator is right for you:

Pros:

• Portability: Portable generators are easy to carry and transport, making them perfect for camping and outdoor adventures. They are also usually compact and lightweight, like the Honda EU2200i, which weighs just 47 pounds.
• Versatility: These generators can be used with various fuel sources, such as solar energy, gas, or propane, and can be inverter generators. This versatility means you can choose the most convenient and accessible fuel source for your needs.
• Ease of Maintenance: Portable generators are generally smaller units that are simpler to maintain than built-in generators.
• Lower Cost: They tend to be less expensive than built-in generators, making them a more budget-friendly option.

Cons:

• Limited Capacity: Portable generators typically have lower power output than built-in generators, and may not be able to power all your appliances simultaneously.
• Noise: They can be loud, which might be an issue at campsites with decibel limits. However, some portable generators, like those from Honda, are known for their quiet operation.
• Manual Setup: Portable generators require manual fuel changes, which can be inconvenient, especially if they need to be done in the middle of the night.
• Heavy Tanks: To use a portable generator, you may need to carry heavy fuel tanks, which can be cumbersome and take up valuable space.
• Environmental Factors: Environmental conditions like high humidity, extreme temperatures, and high altitudes can affect the performance of portable generators, leading to reduced efficiency or increased fuel consumption.

How do I calculate the generator wattage required for my camper?

To calculate the generator wattage required for your camper, you need to consider the following factors:

Camper Size and Appliances

Firstly, the size of your camper and the appliances you plan to use will determine the wattage needed. Small trailers, campers, SUVs, pickup trucks, and minivans might only require a generator of around 2000 watts. In contrast, large motorhomes and RVs will need more power.

Running Wattage and Surge Wattage

You need to know the running wattage requirement of your devices, which is how many watts they need during operation. Additionally, the surge wattage is the high power required for a fraction of a minute to start the device.

Total Running Wattage and Total Required Wattage

To calculate the total running wattage, sum the running wattages of all the appliances you will be using. The total required wattage is calculated by adding the total running wattage and the highest surge wattage.

Environmental Conditions

Environmental conditions such as high humidity, altitude, and extreme temperatures can affect the performance of your generator. For example, high humidity can cause condensation in the generator engine, leading to corrosion and reduced performance.

Camper Amperage

Finally, you need to know if your camper is 30 or 50 amperes to avoid overloading the system.

• Small trailers, campers, SUVs, pickup trucks, and minivans: 2000 watts
• Small RVs with limited electricity, such as pop-up campers and travel trailers: 2000-4000 watts
• Most light-duty RVs and small travel trailers with basic appliances: 4000 watts
• Larger RVs with heavy-duty appliances such as air conditioners, dishwashers, refrigerators, and microwaves: 6000+ watts

What are the average generator wattage requirements for different classes of RVs?

The wattage requirements for an RV generator depend on the class of the RV and the appliances you want to run. Here is a breakdown of the average generator wattage requirements for different classes of RVs:

Class B Van with One AC Unit:

2,000 to 3,600 watts

Class C RV with One AC Unit:

2,800 to 4,000 watts

Class A RV with Two AC Units (15,000 BTU each):

5,500 to 8,000 watts

Class A RV with Three AC Units (15,000 BTU each):

10,000 to 12,500 watts

Fifth Wheel with Two AC Units:

5,500 to 7,000 watts

It's important to note that these ranges can change based on the specific equipment and appliances you have in your RV. For example, an air conditioning unit can use anywhere from 1,400 to 2,400 watts of electricity, while a refrigerator can use between 400 and 1,000 watts. Other high-wattage appliances include dishwashers (1,200 to 2,400 watts), stoves (900 to 2,500 watts), and hair dryers (1,200 to 1,875 watts).

When determining the generator size for your RV, it's crucial to consider the total wattage of all the appliances and devices you plan to run simultaneously. Additionally, some appliances may require more power for a short time during start-up, so it's important to factor in both the running wattage and the starting wattage.

For a 30-amp RV, a generator that provides at least 3,600 watts is recommended. For a 50-amp RV, you will need a higher-capacity generator, as these RVs can handle up to 12,000 watts of electric power.

It's also worth considering the type of fuel and the noise level of the generator, as well as the portability and cost. Portable generators are ideal for short camping trips and can be used for other purposes besides powering your RV. Permanent generators, on the other hand, are more expensive but are built to last for years and can be a good investment if you plan to use your RV frequently.

Frequently asked questions